Jon Stewart isn’t the only Daily Show host sticking around through next year.
In its just-released official announcement of Jon Stewart’s renewal through December 2026, Comedy Central revealed that Ronny Chieng, Josh Johnson, Jordan Klepper, Michael Kosta, and Desi Lydic are all returning to the show in 2026, alongside correspondents Troy Iwata and Grace Kuhlenschmidt.
The show’s current cast and rotating host format has been in place since February 2024, when Stewart—who hosted The Daily Show from 1999 to 2015—returned for what was then billed as a short-term, one-night-a-week stint through Election Day. He and his longtime manager James “Baby Doll” Dixon both took executive producer titles on the series as well. Stewart later reupped his agreement through 2025—and now, through 2026.
“Jon Stewart continues to elevate the genre he created. His return is an ongoing commitment to the incisive comedy and sharp commentary that define The Daily Show,” said Ari Pearce, Head of Comedy Central, in the network’s official announcement. “The renewal is a win for audiences, for Comedy Central, and for all our programming partners. We’re proud to support Jon and the extraordinary news team.”
The show’s 30th season wraps on December 11. Comedy Central has not announced a premiere date for Season 31, but sources tell LateNighter the show is targeting a January 5 return.
Jon Stewart had an interview with the New Yorker recently where he was asked if he would return and was about to discuss the business side of TDS but was interrupted and never returned to the topic. I wondered if a cheaper retooling of the show was in the cards, like cutting the news team or perhaps a return to a studio within the Paramount Times Square headquarters. Glad to see the news team continuing, but I wonder if cost cuts are in the future. I would imagine Jon’s ratings improvement has helped their ad sales especially for a cable network, but it still must be in decline.
Best news ever! I’ve been watching TDS since the beginning with Craig Kilborn, and it has become a 30 year evening ritual!
Best topical show on television – the hosts complement each other as reporters. The writing is topnotch, and the rotating hosts keep the presentation fresh. And Jon Stewart is as funny and incisive as ever.
Jon did another superb service for his audience and the American people by inviting House Reps Pat Ryan and Chris DeLuzio …both truth tellers and Veterans who held back nothing for the audience to acknowledge. wow.. Very hopeful to see those 2 gentlemen who UNDERSTAND what serving the People really means…more please!